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A glimpse of the magic we experienced at Locavore Farms. Looking ahead, Magdalena and Justin.

A Journey's End by Justin and Magdalena

Up the hill on North Street and within the gates of The Fort Bidwell Cemetery awaits a scene not much different than any other cemetery in which hundreds of headstones rest facing a certain direction. In Fort Bidwell's case, these headstones face east. Some were mothers and fathers, infants and toddlers. Many were masons or soldiers in every war imaginable that America has been involved in during the last century including an entire section of unknown soldiers who died fighting Native Americans. Almost all of the headstones are those of pioneers or the children of pioneers who's lives have long since faded into memory and now represent an extraordinary point in time along the line of human history. These individuals, unique unto themselves seem to embody in their memory a spirit that must have been present during America's earliest years, a spirit that seems to be fading away like the glow of a setting sun.

As Magdalena and I approach the end of our three week journey with Locavore Farm, I find myself alone perched atop such a place, facing east along with the settlers of Fort Bidwell who dared make the journey west in search of the dream that a young and vibrant America promised. Just below, the town dwellings rest shrouded in the cover of tall trees forming a large cluster bordered by farms and sparse livestock. Beyond that stretches The Great Basin, a place that will for the time being remain an unexplored mystery to me. To the south stretches Surprise Valley where the towns of Lake City and Cedarville await our passing early tomorrow morning. To the west are the Warner Mountains at a pass where hundreds of settlers made their final push toward the lush farmlands of the Sacramento Valley. To the north rises Mount Bidwell and nestled between me and it is Locavore Farm, where we've spent these last three weeks submerged in a whirlwind of inspiration.

That inspiration is owed to Michael, thanks for the hilarious stories you told at supper, for being so attentive to our needs while Laurie was gone and for tolerating my political rants. To Jerry, Nini and Lee Tong for allowing us a glimpse into an amazing world of permaculture, homemade Elderberry wine and several amazing Chinese meals. Thanks to Adrian and Josh and Adrian's Surprise for a big night out and the free snacks. Thanks Dirk for finishing the dessert after we almost fell into a food coma. Thanks Noah and Michaela for your teamwork and for being so receptive to new people, it made this journey all the more enjoyable. Thanks Peter and Trudy for opening up the Bidwell Canyon cosmopolitan bar and showing us your 100 year old cabin. Thanks Mike and Lindy for the unforgettable night at Goodwell Farm, your cache is crowned with and energized by a rich and illustrious historical past. To the rest of Modoc County with whom I've made an acquaintance, purchased goods from, smiled or glanced at beyond remembrance and into infinity, may we keep faith in humanity by loving our families and helping our neighbors. Lastly, thank you Laurie Wayne! We arrived at Hornet's Nest both thrilled to enter a new world and hesitant to start something new. But never once did we imagine an experience as wonderful as this one has been. We now leave Locavore Farm spiritually rejuvenated, having discovered a colorful new lens in which to sharpen our focus on the world we inhabit. It is all because of you and for this we are grateful. Your hospitality goes unsurpassed, your energy radiates and you will be missed.

May we stay,
forever young.

Justin Spyres and Magdalena Rybarczyk.

Transforming and Transfarming

Things are very active on the farm. Our WWOOFers are busily transforming the land and buildings with construction projects - Magda and Justin building beautiful steps in the hillside (above) and Michaela and Noah with an inspirational awning protection project (below).

The farm is now officially producing! The first batches of lettuce and cabbage went to market today, and the U-Pick will be opening up on August 3! We're so excited, and there is lots to do before then. Stay tuned to this blog or to our website for the latest scoop!

Fun on the Farm...and beyond

The long hot days of summer are upon us now for sure, and some of our days are smoky from the wildfires many miles away. Surprise Valley still offers ample opportunity for all kinds of fun, from country music jams to staffing the Farmer's Market booth to trying a turn on one of the local horses and meeting new friends. Our WWOOFers Justin, Magda, Noah and Michaela (and honorary WWOOFer Michael) are used to getting up early and working hard to create beautiful spaces on the farm, and by the early afternoon a siesta is in order for one and all. The crop is taking off, and with the help of (for now) abundant water from the creek and lots and lots of sunshine, we're getting closer and closer to U-Pick Deliciousness(tm), as seen in the pictures below of Anaheim peppers, cantaloupe blossoms, and bok choy.

Summer's Here for Sure!

The days are hot and sunny, the mornings are cool and perfect for working and listening to nature, and the afternoons are perfect for swimming and napping. Good times on the farm! Noah and Michaela (left) proudly display their beanpole project (it won't be long before you can visit us and pick your own delicious beans!)

We're eating well, thanks to Jerry's fresh garlic and produce and Magda and Justin's delicious sausage, Sicilian wine, our own creativity, and the generosity of nature. Thanks, Mother Nature!



















Of course, our update wouldn't be complete without a report on our corn and other crops. The Kandy King is doing great, especially thanks to the hoeing and fertilizing done by our wonderful WWOOFers. Thanks, WWOOFers! With every September bite of delicious corn, we'll be thinking of your July labors.

Our days are long, starting soon after sunup, and lately we've been working till dark, enjoying each others company and the bounty of nature into the cool of the evening. A dip in the hot springs and the treat of a starry sky above often top off a day of hard work, fun, and adventure for us on the farm. We're really lucky.

New Friends, Fertile Fields

We welcomed guests Noah and Michaela on Saturday, and on Sunday morning they were already making themsleves at home in the corn, decimating the weeds and making a quarter of an acre happy and weed-free.

Jerry's Little Green House is a star at the local farmer's markets (two now, one on Fridays and one on Saturdays) with treats such as the garlic you see in the picture. Mmmm garlic! You can look on the "Harvest" page of the Locavore Farms web site to see exactly what Jerry's bringing to market each week.

Farmer Jerry continues to delight and inspire us with his lessons about the land. Here he is showing us how to tell whether the corn is ready to be watered again. Thank you, Jerry!!!

WWOOFers on the Loose!

I'm not sure how it happened, but the WWOOFers made it past the guard towers and razor wire and have escaped! Be on the lookout for a gang of suntanned, bugbitten, slightly dirty but happy young people. If they offer to play cribbage with you or hoe your garden, please contact Locavore Farms right away. There's work to be done! Luckily, our next volunteers arrive on Saturday, and then more some time next week. Thank goodness, because there is plenty of weeding, watering, hoeing, building, and painting to be done around the farm.

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, and the corn is starting to really take off, though it's not as high as an elephant's eye. More like a small ancient terrier's eye, or around a foot or so. The squash, onions, bok choy, and beans are really taking off too. Plenty of sunshine and cool water from the creek equals one happy U-Pick!